impact of racing is taken into account, the total employment increased to 16,934 FTE

jobs. More than 52,000 people participated in the racing industry (this figure included

volunteers and owners).

3) The racing industry generated more than $167 million in export sales of thoroughbred

and standard bred horses.

A prosperous and dynamic sector with huge potential

The racing industry is currently in decline, primarily through having to compete with many
other forms of gambling. So changes are needed. When in Government, Labour will be
instrumental in allowing all parts of the industry to be involved in reviewing the current status
of the industry, and to establish what is the best way forward.

Labour is committed to building on the good partnership we had developed with the racing
industry, and will continue to work closely with the industry to strengthen racing‟s
contribution to economic growth. Labour will ensure that all additional funding to racing
contributes to real economic growth to be enjoyed by all stakeholders, through appropriate
industry strategies.

Recognising that change must come from within, Labour will convene a round-table
discussion of major stakeholders in the industry with a view to strengthening and
enhancing the economic viability of racing in New Zealand. We will ensure that a
strategic direction is developed and implemented.

Labour is concerned that some racing clubs might use revenue from pokie machines for
purposes other than for the social good. There are also proposals to establish pokie
machines on racing club premises, and we are concerned this may be done without
sufficiently-wide consultation. Labour will bring together industry stakeholders to develop
policy on these issues.

Labour will ensure the robustness of the Integrity Unit, meaning that those appointed to it are
of the highest calibre, in order to maintain the integrity of the unit and the industry.

Labour in government will assist in establishing a Code of Practice for the racing industry,
which will be drawn up and agreed upon by all major stakeholders and will link with the
current set-up of the Integrity Unit.

We will also uphold the position of the New Zealand Racing Board to hold the exclusive
rights to racing and sports betting in New Zealand, and for the net proceeds to be returned to
sustain New Zealand racing.

Labour will work with the New Zealand Racing Board, the racing code bodies, the Governments and International racing bodies to ensure that New Zealand is well placed to respond to any threats to racing's revenue and integrity.

Racing is inherently a dangerous occupation. But with the right tools, the risks can be
managed and mitigated. Labour is committed to working with the sector to ensure that
jockeys ride in the safest environment possible. A reduction of injuries and safer practices
will result in a reduction in ACC levies.

Labour will work with the industry to reduce injuries, promote safe practices and provide safe amenities.

Our thoroughbred stock is a precious resource, and in New Zealand we are lucky our
industry is free from diseases such as Equine Influenza. But the scare in Australia reinforces the need for vigilance in biosecurity measures to protect the industry. Labour will ensure the

racing sector and the government have the necessary measures and tools in place to
identify and manage biosecurity risks to protect the industry.

Labour will support appropriate biosecurity measures to protect the racing industry in
all its activities.

Skills development and training is as important in the racing sector as any other sector. We
want to see the industry continue to move towards being a high-technology, high-skilled
driver of growth. Labour will continue to work with the sector to identify areas for
improvement in industry training and education.

Labour will work with the racing sector to further its industry training and education
goals.

Labour recognises the difficulties faced by the racing industry in modernising itself for the
21st century. We will work with all major stakeholders to ensure the revitalisation of a strong
economic performer which can do even better.